Who Should I Start? Jamaal Williams or Alexander Mattison

Saturday, September 28, 4:23 AM

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams could be in line for improved production in Week 4. Over the first three weeks of the season, he has not had much to offer from a fantasy standpoint with the Saints dedicated to force-feeding Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs). Kamara popped up on the injury report this week, though, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. If Kamara ends up getting a week off then Williams will soak up much of that work but would face some competition from a now-healthy Taysom Hill (chest). Williams played in three of the four games Kamara missed in 2023 and logged 41 rushing attempts for 100 yards, and a touchdown on the ground, and nine catches for 28 receiving yards. Modest totals for sure, but this year's version of the Saints offense has been far more dynamic with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in charge. Fantasy managers desperate for running back help should monitor pre-game injury reports and only plug Williams into lineups if Kamara is ruled out.

Monday, October 21, 3:26 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison was much more efficient than usual in Week 7 in the 15-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Mattison rushed 23 times for 92 yards and caught all three of his targets for 31 yards, giving him 15.3 PPR fantasy points on the day. He took the vast majority of the RB workload. The sixth-year pro was much more involved in the offense than fellow RB Zamir White (groin) who was in his first game back from injury. It appears that the former Minnesota Viking could dominate RB touches in the future, but he also averaged under three yards per carry in four games this season. The Rams defense is also very weak, so the matchup was soft. The Raiders will face the Kansas City Chiefs and their formidable run defense in Week 8. Mattison is a risky FLEX option in deeper leagues. Las Vegas' depleted offense could have difficulty doing much of anything.